Srinagar, April 07, 2025 – As the world commemorates World Health Day today under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” attention turns to the pressing need for equitable healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir. Advocates and residents alike are calling for a system where healthcare is not just a privilege but a right—accessible, free, and unconditional for all.
Jammu and Kashmir has made strides in recent years to bolster its healthcare infrastructure. Initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the integration of public health facilities into the Health Facility Registry signal progress. Over 9.5 lakh telemedicine consultations have brought care closer to remote areas, while universal health insurance aims to ease financial burdens. Yet, challenges persist. Remote villages, harsh terrain, and socio-economic disparities often leave many without timely medical support.
On this World Health Day, local voices emphasize the need for more. “Healthcare should not depend on where you live or what you can pay,” said a Srinagar-based community worker. “Free and unconditional access is the goal—especially for mothers and children, as the WHO theme highlights.” The region’s efforts to prepare for events like the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, with robust medical planning, show promise, but everyday access remains a concern.
The global call to action this year resonates deeply in Kashmir, where ensuring “healthy beginnings” could mean expanding rural clinics, increasing funding for free services, and removing bureaucratic hurdles. As India marks progress in maternal and child health nationwide, Kashmir stands at a crossroads to turn commitments into reality.
